The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled a new grant program aimed at advancing the transition to clean heavy-duty vehicles in America. The Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act under President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, will allocate nearly $1 billion to support projects that reduce climate and air pollution from heavy-duty vehicles, create new job opportunities, and enhance air quality in communities across the nation.
"EPA’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program will slash climate and air pollution and enhance the country’s infrastructure by funding the deployment of zero-emissions vehicles and installation of supporting infrastructure," stated EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, emphasizing the administration's commitment to clean air for all communities.
John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, highlighted the significance of the funding, noting its potential to bring electric school buses, garbage trucks, and delivery vans to neighborhoods nationwide, ultimately reducing pollution and bolstering manufacturing jobs.
The 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program will focus on supporting the adoption and deployment of eligible Class 6 and 7 zero-emission vehicles, alongside funding for vehicle fueling infrastructure and workforce development. The initiative aims to address environmental justice issues by ensuring that a significant portion of the program's benefits reach disadvantaged communities disproportionately affected by pollution.
With transportation being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and health-harming pollutants, the transition to zero-emission vehicles is crucial. The program targets vehicles powered by outdated internal combustion engines that emit harmful pollutants associated with various health issues.
The grant program includes two sub-programs – the School Bus Sub-Program and the Vocational Vehicles Sub-Program – to cater to different types of vehicle replacements. EPA expects that a majority of the funding will go towards school bus projects, with the remainder allocated to vocational vehicles like box trucks, refuse haulers, and delivery trucks.
Interested parties, including States, municipalities, Indian Tribes, territories, and nonprofit school transportation associations, are encouraged to apply for the grant program before the July 25, 2024 deadline. EPA plans to announce the award recipients by the end of the year.
This initiative builds on previous successful EPA programs like the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) and the Clean School Bus Program, showcasing the agency's dedication to reducing emissions and promoting clean energy solutions. Additionally, the recently launched $3 billion Clean Ports Program will target emissions from port activities, including heavy-duty vehicle movements.
For more information about the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program, including eligibility criteria and application details, interested parties are advised to visit the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program webpage or reach out to cleanhdvehicles@epa.gov.
